Five for Friday: Stats, Thanks, and Inspiration

Friends, as our blogiversary week comes to a close, I thought it would be fun to share some interesting statistics from the past year here in the Moxie Fab World.

At the time of this writing there have been 278 posts and 34,245 comments. There have been 48 Moxie Mondays, 21 Moxie Fab World Challenges, 48 Five for Fridays, 15 Ask Arounds, 8 Editor’s Choices, 6 Blog Bops, and we’ve given more prizes than I'm willing to count from manufacturers all over the world. ;)

We’ve had visitors from 154 different countries/territories with the top five outside of the United States being Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands respectively.

The five busiest days in the Moxie Fab World in terms of numbers of pages veiwed were:

1. Monday, November 9
2. Friday, March 20
3. Tuesday, March 17
4. Friday, October 2
5. Friday, April 24

The top 5 blog posts gauged by number of comments are:

1. Moxie Monday: Papertrey Ink with 1415
2. Moxie Monday: A Blogiversary Exclusive from Papertrey Ink with 1067
3. Stamp It! Week—Stamp It! Galore, Part II with 1039
4. Five (x2) for Friday: An Inspirational Blog Hop with 12 Chances to Win with 750
5. Cards & Gifts Week Day 4: Gifty Versatility from Cosmo Cricket with 670

And the top 5 Moxie Mondays gauged by number of comments not previously listed are:

1. Recess and Farm Fresh from October Afternoon with 451
2. Winsome from Pink Paislee with 439
3. Just Chillin’ from Making Memories with 436
4. Maya Road Gift Items for Day 1 of Cards & Gifts Week with 383
5. Unity Stamp Company with 373

Fun, huh?

Friends, I have so enjoyed this week. I don’t know that many people are given the opportunity to receive such affirmation for what they do for a living than I have been given in the last few days. It is a gift that I will always treasure. But as much as this blog is an expression of myself, it wouldn’t be what it is today without the love, help, and support that I receive from my fellow teammates.

For example, I've spent countless hours in our editor-in-chief's office discussing all the angles of this blog. She brainstorms with me, counsels me, guides me, and brings a business perspective that keeps me focused--we creatives can get a little out-of-hand with our passion at times!

Thank you, Jennifer, for your amazing insight, your unfailing support, and your friendship!--oh, and for dropping everything to listen when I pop my head in your doorway countless times a day! :)

And then there's Matt, whose role in the Moxie Fab World we discussed yesterday. I appreciate Matt because he listens so patiently to my ideas for the banner, translates what's in my brain to an image on the computer, and adds the moxie fabulousness that is now our trademark to the "look and feel" of the first thing you Moxie Fabbers see when you land in the Moxie Fab World.

Thanks, Matt! You're a peach!

My dear friend, Brenda (doesn't she look GREAT?), helps me each week with getting all the prizes shipped out and setting up subscriptions for our international winners. She's a really busy lady with a ton on her plate, but she always offers me a cheerful greeting and a sweet smile when I bring the tall piles of goodies for our random winners to be boxed up and shipped!

Thanks for all you do for me, Brenda! Shipping and otherwise!

And to these moxie fab gal pals--Brandy, Kelly, and Susan--I'm not sure I can begin to express how much all y'all mean to me. From listening to my ideas, to helping me shape them, to brainstorming ways to promote all our products, to accepting me for exactly who I am, and for being so supportive, I couldn't ask for better co-workers, or for that matter, better friends.

Thanks for everything you guys! You are simply moxie fab!

So there you have it! A moxie fab blogiversary to remember! And while this is all super inspiring to me, I didn't want you to go away without some inspiration just for you to get you through your weekend! Here are some photographs which just simply make me happy to be alive! Enjoy!

Amherst, NH--photo by Cath Edvalson

Corner Canyon, Draper, UT--photo by Cath Edvalson

Lavender Field in Mona, UT--photo by my daughter, Beccah Thomas

Milford, NH--photo by my husband, Mark Worwetz

Corner Canyon, Draper, UT--photo by Mark Worwetz

Looking forward to next week when we get back into the SWING of things,

~Cath

PS The Plum Crazy! Challenge ends next Monday, so be sure and get your PURPLE on! And I'm always looking for Tuesday Triggers to post here in the Moxie Fab World, so submit yours to me at tuesdaytrigger@gmail.com! Maybe yours will appear next week! Click here for all the information you need to make your Trigger moxie fab! (Scroll down to the bottom of the post.)

It's a Banner Blogiversary, Moxie Fab World!

OK you guys. I swear I was tearing up all day yesterday. A great big fat moxie fab thank you for the heart-warming comments that you left me! My heart is full and warm and for the first time in a long time, I'm speechless. ;)

But we can't let that stop us from moving on to our topic du jour. Last week I asked you what you would like to know about the Moxie Fab World—you know, the behind-the-scenes 411 that has been burning a hole in your proverbial pocket. The overwhelming favorite was to find out more about the banners that we change out here in the Moxie Fab World on a pert near monthly basis.

Well, let me tell you--this is one of my favorite parts about the Moxie Fab World. We are so lucky here at Paper Crafts to have a moxie fab art director who has created all but two of the banners in the past year. Matt Anderson is not only amazingly talented, but he is a great designer who is also a ton of fun to collaborate with.

Partners in Crime: Matt & Cath

Here’s the drill. Sometime around mid-month, Matt and I will sit in his office and talk about concepts for the next month’s banner. I will usually have 2-3 ideas, one that I particularly favor, and then we’ll kind of negotiate back and forth. For example, Matt’s job is very demanding and we always need to take into consideration how much time he has to work something up. The less time he has, the less elaborate the design can be—-however, I must say that while we plan for this, he never fails to add much more detail to the banners than I ever expect.

Once we settle on an idea or theme, which usually means what the focal point on the right-hand side is going to be, Matt and I agree on the style of the image and the color scheme that we will use. He’ll draw some sketches, look up some images online to make sure we’re on the same page, we’ll narrow it down to the right “feel” we’re going for, and then he’ll start spinning his own particular brand of magic.

Take the current banner. In thinking about November and what this month means, I wanted to do something associated with Thanksgiving dinner. My main idea was to show a patchwork Tom turkey with all his feathers being a different pattern. I expressed this to Matt, but when we started discussing it, the turkey idea morphed into a pie which morphed into a stove with a pie on it. Considering the trendy nature of retro kitchens/stoves, I knew that I wanted the stove to be either pink or some shade of avocado green. Then, before we knew it we were looking up kitschy old wallpaper patterns which inspired us to make the stove this funky pistachio green.

Matt took it from there and ran! He took hours and hours to build the stove and to get it at the right angle. He knew that it would be most effective if we were looking down at it rather than straight on. So he worked really hard to get that part just right. Then he added the counter. There used to be a lot more to the counter, but we had move it over so that the logo, Moxie Fab World with its signature target and earth in the two respective “o”s, could fit. He also had to move the oven down quite a bit for the same reason, so much of what he had created was lost. We adjusted some colors in the logo, and then the next thing I knew, Matt had added the electrical outlet and the wood wainscoting with the chair rail, and the banner was complete. When I saw it, I gave one of my trademark delightful gasps and I couldn’t WAIT to add it on November 2.

And the piece of pie that’s missing? That’s all Matt. ;)

There is a similar story for each of the banners you’ve enjoyed here in the Moxie Fab World. The only two that Matt didn’t create were the inaugural and April banners. Those were done by our former art director, Stace Hasegawa.

The hardest part about the banners? Having to take down the last to make room for the next--which is why it is such a treat to see them all together today in celebration of our blogiversary! Check it:

Inaugural Banner, November 2008

December 2008

January 2009

February 2009

March 2009

April 2009

May 2009

June 2009

July/August 2009

September 2009

October 2009

Moxie fab, right? We’d love to hear what you think about these banners! I've got a brand new poll for you in the upper right-hand sidebar and you get three votes for your favorites! In addition, if you leave a comment letting us know why you like the banners you chose so much by midnight MST on Sunday, November 15, I’ll draw a random winner to receive something utterly yummy!

Talk about a banner blogiversary!

~Cath

PS Get 2 subscriptions for the price of 1! This holiday, we invite you to share the inspiration of paper crafting with a friend or relative--at a GREAT DEAL! Subscribe or renew your subscription to Paper Crafts at our special low rate and give a one year gift subscription to a friend absolutely FREE! That's 2 subscriptions for the price of 1! Woot! Now friends, this special holiday offer won't last long...so click on over today! Offer valid in the U.S. only.

ETA: I didn't include the current banner on the vote-for list because it begins the next year in the Moxie Fab World. You'll have a chance to vote on that one in 2010!

Waxing Poetic on Day 365

If you are familiar with my personal blog, Cath, etc., you know that waxing poetic is one of my favorite things.

I don't do it much here in the Moxie Fab World, because that's not at all what this blog is all about. But today, on the eve of the Moxie Fab World's blogiversary, I hope you won't mind indulging me, especially considering the fact that there's not one single photo--a first here in the Moxie Fab World! But I digress.

As you know, a year ago tomorrow, the Moxie Fab World will celebrate its first birthday. For a long time, though, it was just an idea. Since my Moxie Fabs column was launched in the February issue of that same year, I had been thinking about how fun it would be to create a blog called the Moxie Fab World that would be an extension of that column. After all, there is so much inspiration in the world, and I wanted the chance to tap into that more.

For a while, the Moxie Fab World blog concept just waited around in my brain, fluttering about the rafters every now and then, but making itself known that it was an idea that pretty much could not be ignored.

It flitted and fluttered, ploofed and pluttered when finally the time just seemed right. Before I knew it we were sitting in meetings planning and strategizing, I was writing proposals and editorial guidelines, a broader concept was emerging, a design was evolving, a template was being created, and poof! I hit the "publish" button and the first official blog post went live.

My life has not been quite the same ever since. In fact, it has been more fun than I ever could have imagined.

Because you see, ever since I first started at Paper Crafts I have been a product lady-of-the-evening. At my first CHA, I got so excited about the new products that I was seeing that I could hardly contain myself. My eyes would light up like stars in the night sky, my face would flush with excitement, and my pulse would race as I bounced from booth to booth. My teammates thought me quite strange as I oohed and aahed and pointed and exclaimed and interrupted as I spewed ideas for how to work the shiny bright new goodies I was drooling over into the features and columns for the magazine.

It is the same for each CHA that I attend. When I step onto the showroom floor, I can't wait for that quickening, the knowledge that inspiration is just waiting to be discovered around every corner of every booth.

And now, for me, that's what each day in the Moxie Fab World is all about. I wake up each morning more excited than you might believe about bringing that kind of tingly inspiration to each of you. The features that have evolved are a direct result of my desire to try to bring you that quickening, that knowledge that there is something inspiring around every little corner of the Moxie Fab World.

And while I get what some might call some pretty ridiculous kicks out of browsing Etsy for a trend I'm following, or writing a little poem to go with the images I'm presenting, or coming up with an inspiring challenge for you to try out, or writing with gleeful joy to describe how I feel about a trendy product in each Moxie Monday, what I love most about this Moxie Fab World is getting to know all of you.

I hope you feel welcome here. I hope you feel inspired--and perhaps more importantly, empowered--to try something here that you've never tried before. I hope you come to this blog each day with an expectation that you will find joy, and that you leave wanting to create or try or find or discover or realize that you have a smile on your face that wasn't there before.

For, as I mentioned in my inaugural post nearly one year ago, the Moxie Fab World is a place where we can all get to know one another a little better. It’s a place where we can enjoy a stout cup of coffee, a warm spot of tea, or a sweet sip of cocoa and gather around our computers on our own time and on our own terms. It’s a place where we will share ideas, explore the trendy possibilities, and uncover the magical opportunities we have to connect with one another in this most heartfelt of hobbies, paper crafting.

I hope that, one year later, this is that place for you. I hope that you have made friends here, that you feel part of a community, and that you feel more connected to your fellow paper crafters than you did on November 11, 2008.

And while I wish there were more hours in the day for me to respond to more of your comments, please know how much you mean to me. That you would spend part of your day with me here in the Moxie Fab World is an honor in and of itself. That you would take the time to leave a heartfelt or funny or profound or silly comment--whether there's a prize involved or not--goes beyond my wildest dreams. That you are my friend is something that I treasure more than I could ever express.

I feel so blessed.

So from my heart to yours, thank you for being a part of the Moxie Fab World. Thank you for your participation, your contribution, your support, your kindness, your encouragement, your can-do attitude, your creativity, and for your friendship.

Most of all, I want to thank you for being so inspiring to me.

Breaking out the tissues (no seriously, I really am crying here--but then, that's what I do),

~Cath

Tuesday Trigger: Bountiful Beauty & Beautiful Bounty

It’s Tuesday, friends! Time for the Tuesday Trigger! Here’s this week’s special blogiversary trigger from Moxie Fabber Laura O’Donnell:

Glimmer & Shine Thanksgiving Table Setting from Martha Stewart Living

In her own words: I loved the gold pumpkins in the photo, the unexpected shade of soft greenish blue, and the overall eclectic mix of flatware, dishes, and glassware on the table.

A Special Day Card

For my card I found a gold foil bird and bluebird die cut from a Making Memories Vintage Findings kit (cardmakers crack!) and a Making Memories blue glitter leaf sticker from the Autumn Splendor line. The waffley kraft piece is cut from a Panera Bread coffee sleeve. And for the sentiment I was going to use "gratitude" but when I saw "a special day" it brought me back to the idea of setting a fancy table for Thanksgiving, a special day.

Thanks to Laura for sending this in to me! If you’re inspired the way I think you’re inspired, create a project and link it using Mr. Linky below. Who knows? Maybe next week you’ll be one of our Trigger Targets! Speaking of Trigger Targets, here are some stand-outs from last week’s trigger by Kimberly Crawford:

lynn

Jessica Rosario

Deanna (Dee Woodland)

& Laurel S

Congrats to this week's Trigger Targets and thanks to everyone who played! Now friends, when you upload your project on your blog for today's Tuesday Trigger, please include the trigger photo and a link back to this blog post so your readers can play as well! Thanks!

Now, as you know, this week is the Moxie Fab World's Blogiversary! I've got to tell you how touched I am by the comments that many of you left yesterday. I *heart* all of you. Thank you so much for all the love you left me--and Papertrey Ink as well.

Today, however, I'd love to celebrate by getting more of your feedback! In the poll at the top of the right-hand sidebar, I've asked you to vote for your favorite feature. If you haven't done so already, please do! I'm really looking for the break-away feature of the blog so I have a really good sense of what is working the best for you here in the Moxie Fab World. However, many of you have stated that it is really hard to just choose one, so I'm giving you an opportunity today to let me know which features you enjoy the most and why! Try and narrow it to your top three by midnight MST on Sunday, November 15 and I'll choose one random winner to receive the Nutmeg collection from Cosmo Cricket.

Can't wait to hear from you,

~Cath

PS Would you like to be our Tuesday Trigger for next week? If so, please follow this procedure:

• Submit your own triggers to this email account: tuesdaytrigger@gmail.com Please do not post the trigger on your blog.
  
• Provide me with your image of inspiration, an image of the project that you created based on your trigger, and a brief explanation of how/why you were inspired, like Laura has done today.
  
• Trigger images can be anything you find to be inspiring, but must be credited properly with appropriate URLs. If a site asks you to get permission beforehand, please do so.
  
• Take a sharp photo of your project that is minimally propped (or not propped at all) with no distracting backgrounds. Provide no more than 1-2 detail shots (which may or may not be used.)

I will select Tuesday Triggers based on quality, seasonality, and inspirability. You may submit as many Tuesday Triggers to the email account as you'd like. The current Tuesday Trigger call will last through the end of December.

Winnerday!

Hey everyone! I'm so excited to announce the winners from last week's comment-to-wins that I'm going to jump right in!

Ready, set, SCROLL!

The winners of last week's Moxie Monday featuring BasicGrey's Nook & Pantry collection are:

Dana Grothaus who said...
Wow! I love how those papers go so well with your new blog header. I think I would have to use these papers to make a recipe card holder and some recipe cards. I can see using some of those cute label stickers and the word "tasty". Such a fab collection.

and Carolyn King who said...
akk...I love those buttons....I collect them....cause i can never bear to use them. lol!Love the new banner!

Last week I interviewed Wendy Sue Anderson in our regular feature, Ask Around, and she's offered two prizes. The winner of the Letterbox collection from American Crafts is:

Laura Stewart who said...
cute stuff !

...and the winner of the Jolly by Golly package from Cosmo Cricket is:

Jane who said...
Oh I LOVE Wendy Sue!!! A big fan! And I got to meet her briefly on blogland!! She rocks and so did this interview!!

On last week's Five for Friday, I showed you trendy cards from our new book, A Card a Day. Here are the three lucky winners of that hot-off-the-press publication!

Eveline who said...
I like this "A card a Day" concept. And I would love to win one. It's almost as expensive to have it sent overhere as it is to buy. Eveline.

Danni C. who said...
Love the idea of a card a day! That vintage wedding "Happily Ever After" card sent me over the moon!

and Laurel who said...
Lovely stuff! A card a day definately keeps the doctor away from me - it is my way of winding myself down and stay sane after a long day!

Ladies, to claim your prizes you must send me your addresses in an email to me at cedvalson@papercraftsmag.com. Please put the prize you won in the subject line.

Thanks to everyone who left a comment! I just love reading what you have to say about the inspiration that you find here in the Moxie Fab World!

Toodles,

~Cath

Moxie Monday: A Blogiversary Exclusive from Papertrey Ink!

Happy Monday everyone! I'm moxie excited that this week is here, for it marks an important milestone here in the Moxie Fab World--our blogiversary!

That's right! Exactly one year ago on Thursday of this week, the Moxie Fab World began spinning in its orbit around all things trendy in the paper crafting universe. A spin-off of my column in Paper Crafts magazine, Moxie Fabs, this blog was created to offer even more trendy inspiration to you, the Moxie Fab reader--and my moxie fab friend. :)

I'll have more about this journey as the week progresses, but as I was thinking about how to celebrate this memorable anniversary, I wanted to be sure that I offered you something really special on this blogiversary edition of one of your favorite features here in the Moxie Fab World--Moxie Monday!

I think it's no secret that one of my best friends in this industry is Nichole Heady. As I've mentioned before, one of my first assignments upon being hired as the creative editor of Paper Crafts magazine four-and-a-half years ago was to collaborate with her on the PC101 column. She was the exclusive designer for the column at the time, and it took me no time at all to recognize that she is an amazingly talented designer with an incredibly diverse bag of technique tricks. Later, she was named one of the founding Paper Crafts Pros and as time progressed and magazines piled up on the shelves, she and I could finish one another's sentences while creating a firestorm of inspiration for our readers to devour.

When she left Paper Crafts to pursue another dream--and I think you know what that dream is--I have missed her more than I can say. But I've enjoyed the times where we could collaborate on projects that she's created for us when she has had the time, the times at CHA when we've been able to laugh our faces off once again, and the chances we've had to keep in touch as our directions in this industry have evolved.

So, it was only natural that I would think of Nichole and Papertrey Ink for our Blogiversary Moxie Monday. What's even more special about this Moxie Monday is that Nichole has asked the Papertrey Design Team to create never-seen-before projects created from the stamp sets we're offering today-- and you'll have a chance to win those, too! It's a Moxie Fab World Exclusive! Talk about getting a moxie fab jump start on your holiday projects! Woot!

I know. Enough of this sentimental dribble, Cath. Let's get on with the show, shall we?

When I first saw the Everyday Button Bits Stamp Set that Papertrey released this past summer, I about fell off my chair, saying to myself what an amazing concept! Seriously, stamps designed to incorporate one of The Paper Crafting Staples! Shut up! I said to myself. Here is this ground-breaking concept applied to projects for the holidays! Moxie fab, Nichole! Simply moxie fab! What will this girl think up next?

Holiday Button Bits Stamp Set

Sending Holiday Cheer Card by Nichole Heady

Sweetest Wishes Card by Lisa Johnson

Cookie Exchange Gingerbread Box by Lauren Meader

Deck the Halls Card by Debbie Olson

I don't know about you, but I've got a serious sweet tooth for this Holiday Tree Stamp Set. Maybe because it's dripping with pure sugar?

Holiday Tree Stamp Set

Winter Cheer Card by Melissa Phillips

Fa La La Duet by Heather Nichols

Happy Christmas Card by Niki Estes

Holiday Twinkle Card by Becky Oehlers

Appealing to my retro side, this Vintage Ornaments Stamp Set takes me back, in a really, really good way:

Vintage Ornaments Stamp Set

...and these "additions" put an extra twinkle in my eye:

Vintage Ornaments Additions Stamp Set

Wish You Card by Michelle Wooderson

Pink & Green Christmas Card by Geny Cassaday

Christmas Blessings Card by Dawn McVey

Deck the Halls Card by Betsy Veldman

Wow! There's never been a Moxie Monday quite like this one! Join in on the fun and leave a comment that tells me which of these stamp sets you like most and why, which of these projects you like most and why, and/or a friend that you've made in this industry and why she is so important to you. Do this by midnight MST on Sunday, November 15 and I'll draw three random winners! Two will win one of each of these stamp sets and one will receive all of these moxie fab projects!

It's the Moxie Fab World Blogiversary and I can't imagine celebrating it with anyone but you!

Happy blogiversary Moxie Fabbers!

~Cath

PS It's not too late! The call for submissions for our May/June 2010 issue is open until midnight tonight! Click here to see all the features we're filling and how to submit! In the meantime, I'm looking forward to tomorrow's Tuesday Trigger, aren't you?

Five (x2) for Friday: Trendy Cards from A Card a Day

Just in time for holiday gift-giving, you may want to consider giving this irresistible book to yourself this year:

Our newest publication, A Card a Day, offers over 365 moxie fab card ideas--one for every single day of the year. Chock full of cards for tried-and-true occasions and holidays such as birthday, thank you, Christmas, friendship, Mother's Day, congratulations, Valentine's Day, get well soon, all-occasion, and all the others for which we love to make handmade cards, this daily resource has also got some cards for occasions that you might not have otherwise been aware of.

For example, did you know that April 17 is National Blah Blah Blah Day? Or that International Wear a Tiara Day falls on May 24? We've got fun cards for both of these holidays as well as inspiration for National Pink Day on June 23, Sister's Day on August 2, and my favorite, International Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19.

And of course, there's much, much more.

A brainchild of Paper Crafts designer and Creating Keepsakes Dream Team member Wendy Sue Anderson, this book is not only a wealth of year-round cardmaking inspiration, it's also beautifully shot and designed, making it a showcase book to which you'll want to refer over and over again as the days, weeks, and months of 2010 unfold.

And of course, true to the Paper Crafts gold-standard, it is full of the trendy styles you have come to expect. Check out this sassy sampling:

Deer Friend Card by Sherry Wright, p. 66

Moxie Fab Alert: A wood-grain deer and sunbeams on graph paper combined with old-fashioned roses make this card about as trendy as they come!

Arrrgh Birthday Card by Teri Anderson , p. 94

Moxie Fab Alert: I love the combination of this tween-ish skull with the cute polka dots, don't you? I moxie love the clever sentiment as well!

Lucky Sisters Card by Kim Kesti, p. 89

Moxie Fab Alert: Any time you can weave a vintage photo in with a bingo card and a lacy flower is good by me!

Polka Dot Hello Card by Kimberly Crawford, p. 81

Moxie Fab Alert: Check out those cool circles punched out of text! Moxie fab!

And They Lived Card by Maren Benedict, p. 75

Moxie Fab Alert: I just love the soft treatment of this vintage focal point in this sweet wedding card!

Grow a Friend Card by Dawn McVey, p. 47

Moxie Fab Alert: Does it get any cuter than this? That funny snail with this fruity paper? Get outta town!

True Romance Awaits Card by Wendy Sue Anderson, p. 19

Moxie Fab Alert: Wendy has created a vintage valentine that doesn't overwhelm, and the trendy additions of the ticket, the scalloped text on the edge, and the glittered focal point send it over the trendy top!

Let's A Go-Go Card by Maren Benedict , p. 61

Moxie Fab Alert: This happy card has some real retro style! The bike, the sun with a beach ball center, the button trail that signals motion, and that hip sentiment work together to put a big ol' grin on my face. I'm pretty sure you're smiling right now, too. :)

Hi Flower Card by Teri Anderson , p. 102

Moxie Fab Alert: I love the colors in this card, the Orly Kiely vine effect that is created in the flower leaves, and the fact that the focal point goes off the card's canvas. Super cool!

You're So Sweet Card by Mary MacAskill, p. 27

Moxie Fab Alert: There's not a whole lot more trendy than cherries these days! I love the way Mary has used green for color contrast, and the typography at the top of the card sends it out of the park!

10 out of 365? You do the math. This is just a sprinkling of the sparkle that can be found within the pages of this inspiring book. For another sneak peek, you can click here, but I'm sure you'll agree, this is a must-have publication--every page a delightful surprise!

I've got a delightful surprise for you as well. From now until 5:00 PM EST you can get free shipping when you order your copy. For those of you who want to live on the wild side, I've got 3 copies to give away to 3 random winners! Just leave me a comment by midnight MST on Sunday, November 8 and one of these moxie fab books could be yours!

What's that they say? A Card a Day keeps the doctor away? I'm thinking it's some pretty intense retail therapy--and a gift that will keep on giving the whole year through.

Mixing my metaphors,

~Cath

PS There are some pretty cool Tuesday Triggers happening right now, make sure you check them out and then get inspired to play! I'll announce the Trigger Targets on Tuesday! And you've still got plenty of time to enter the Plum Crazy! challenge! Have fun creating this weekend! I'll be back on Monday with a special blogiversary Moxie Monday that you simply do not want to miss! In the meantime, make it moxie fab!

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

...read all about what, you may be asking?

THIS:


The latest and greatest publication from all of us here at Paper Crafts magazine!

And guess what? It's exactly what it says it is: A Card a Day.

That's right. It has exactly one moxie fab card for every single day of the year!

That's 365 cards! Talk about inspiration that lasts a whole year! Talk about moxie fab! Click here to find out more about Wendy Sue Anderson, the genious designer who gave us the creative concept! And click here for more behind-the-scenes information on how this stellar publication came about and to comment-to-win one of your own!

Now that's simply moxie fab,

~Cath

PS Calling all Tuesday Triggers! What inspires you? Find a seasonal image, create a project, and send it in to me at tuesdaytrigger@gmail.com. Who knows? It may just show up on next Tuesday's blog post, inspiring everyone here in the Moxie Fab World!

PPS Thanks for your feedback in response to last week's question: Do you subscribe to Paper Crafts magazine? Turns out that 65% of you do! Woot! Check out this week's question at the top of the right-hand sidebar! I can't wait to see the results!

Ask Around: Wendy Sue Anderson

Happy Wednesday everyone! I'm super excited because today I get to introduce you to one of my all-time favorite paper crafters, Wendy Sue Anderson! I've known Wendy since I started working here at Paper Crafts four-and-a-half years ago and I'll tell you what, she has been nothing but a d-r-e-a-m to work with since way back when.

Where can you find Wendy these days besides in the pages of Paper Crafts magazine? Well, she's just been announced as a member of the Creating Keepsakes Dream Team (literally just hours ago!) She's on several design teams, including Making Memories, Cosmo Cricket, and American Crafts (talk about the heavy hitters!) And did you know? She's also the creative inspiration behind Paper Crafts' new book, A Card a Day!

I'll have more on that for you later, I promise. In the meantime, settle in to a comfy chair, grab your favorite beverage, and enjoy this interview with this most delightful and incredibly talented lady!

Hi there! I’m Wendy Sue Anderson and I have been a paper crafter since I could hold a pair of scissors--honestly! I grew up with a very creative mother and she passed her love of creating and crafting on to me. There’s not a day that goes by when you won’t find me doing something creative…or at least thinking about it! I’m hoping my four cute kiddos are as passionate about creating as I am--so far, so good. Right now I’m having lots of fun designing for some of my very favorite scrapbook companies and I’ve been blessed to have several of my projects published in some fabulous magazines and idea books as well. Thanks so much, Cath, for inviting me to your Moxie Fab World!

Is trend-watching important to your creativity? Why or why not? If so, how does trend-watching manifest itself in your work?

My gut reaction was to answer with a resounding “No. Trend-watching isn’t important to my creativity.” I don’t consider myself to be a trendy person at all. But after considering the question a bit more, I respectfully request the option of changing my answer (thank you.) Yes! Trend watching is very important to me--I am ALWAYS looking at everything around me and wondering how to incorporate ideas into my work. I just didn’t realize I was trend-watching because I wasn’t categorizing what I was seeing as trends! (I know, I can go full circle in a paragraph. I should totally become a politician--just kidding!)

Where do you find trends?

Everywhere! Magazines, catalogs, websites, blogs, store signs, junk mail, picture books, TV (especially children’s channels like Nick Jr.), product packaging…everywhere.

What websites, blogs, magazines, ads, etc. are the most inspirational to you in terms of trend-watching? Why do they motivate you

I guess you could call me a “hopper” of sorts – I love jumping from one blog/link/site to another. I’ve found some of my favorite inspiration by clicking on a random link here or there. Whenever I find a fun site, I rarely know how I actually got there. Some of my favorite recent “surprise” landings include Olli & Lime, Orla Kiely, Holli Conger, Puddle Jumper Shoes, C’est la Vie, and Not Martha.

George Quilt from Olli & Lime

This Thanks Card was inspired by the above Olli & Lime quilt

Multi Stem Embroidery Towel from Orla Keily

Puddle Jumper Shoes

Puddle Jumper Shoes

Of course, I love perusing the kid’s bedding sections of PB Kids, Company Kids, and The Land of Nod for fun color combos and design ideas. Kids' clothing catalogs in my mailbox ALWAYS make me smile – I especially love Mini Boden, The Children’s Place, Hanna Andersson, and Gymboree.

Weekender Suitcases from The Land of Nod

Oh What a Beatiful Morning Crib Bedding from The Land of Nod

Color Games Sweater Dress from Hanna Andersson

And because I’m a bit of a nerd…I love my office supplies…I like to check out Russell + Hazel, See Jane Work, and Rock Scissor Paper for inspiration too!

Punctuated Page Markers from See Jane Work

Basics Pencils from See Jane Work

Mini Paper Pockets from Russell + Hazel

...which inspired this card!

Atomic Ornaments Gift Wrap from Rock Scissor Paper

Shine Brightly Blank Notebook from Rock Scissor Paper

Without giving anything away that you are working on, what trend(s) are you currently watching?

The trend I’m most interested in right now involves color combinations. It’s interesting to look around and see variations of the same color combos everywhere…from print ads to lotion packaging to that cute scarf in the mall. Once you pick up on one, you’ll see it everywhere you look!

Basics Letter Boxes from See Jane Work

Nod Wrapping Paper from The Land of Nod

What advice can you give to paper crafters who are interested in incorporating more trends into their projects?

First of all…be smarter then me and actually REALIZE you’re looking for trends! Choose a single trend (whether that’s a color combo, a particular font, an icon, etc.) and focus on incorporating that ONE thing into your next project. Stay true to your own style and make the trend work for you, rather than changing your style to fit a trend.

What is your favorite medium in which to work and why does it appeal to you? Has that changed over time? Why or why not?

Give me a pair of scissors, glue, and paper…I’m a happy girl. I am a simple kind of gal--I’ve always enjoyed hand-cutting and the process of putting things together with my hands. I know better than to ever say “never,” but I can’t picture myself as a digital crafter--I just like getting my hands dirty! ;)

Name some doors that have opened to you as a result of being connected to the scrapbooking industry and what that has meant to you.

I’ve had amazing opportunities to design for great companies and it’s truly been a pleasure working with each and every one. I’ve been blessed to be able to earn the extra bit of money our family has needed without having to get a “real job” that would take me away from home, which is where I want (and need) to be right now. And I’ve met some incredible people and built lasting friendships…all because of scrapbooking! :)

Once you spot a trend, do you have a way of filing that idea away for later use that works for you?

Absolutely. I have a big fat binde full of magazine/catalog clippings, various packaging pieces, sketches, quotes, font ideas, etc. It’s my go-to binder…especially when I’m having trouble channeling my creativity (sometimes it wanders)!

Which retail stores tend to get your trendy juices flowing?

Ooh, definitely Target (I spend a fair amount of time perusing the aisles there – especially in the bedding/office supply/and greeting card areas). I also enjoy a DownEast excursion on occasion – they have a little bit of everything there! And I find it hard to walk through Gap Kids, Old Navy, or Osh Kosh without getting the urge to hurry home and create something fun…it’s all of the CUTENESS and fun color combos that surround me!

Do the evolving trends change your paper crafting style, or do you inject the trends into your already established style?

No, they do not change my style at all. My style has stayed pretty consistent through the years, but I think I am able to incorporate the trends into my work in a subtle manner. I tend to stay true to what comes naturally and not force anything that doesn’t feel right. In the past when I’ve been working on something and it just doesn’t flow, it’s usually because I’m trying to use an idea or product that doesn’t allow me to “be me.”

Thank you so much, Wendy, for taking the time to talk with us in the Moxie Fab World today. Friends, I know Wendy would love to hear about how she's inspired you today, and to thank you for leaving a comment, I've got this brand new collection from American Crafts for one lucky winner:

Letterbox Collection

...and this Jolly by Golly package from Cosmo Cricket for another:

Just make sure you leave your comment by midnight MST on Sunday, November 8 and you'll be eligible to win!

Grateful for Wendy,

~Cath

PS There's lots currently going on in the Moxie Fab World. We've got our Plum Crazy! Challenge, this week's Tuesday Trigger, and I'd just love to know what questions you have about the Moxie Fab World. What behind-the-scenes info would you like me to share? What feedback would you like to offer? What would you like to see more of? What would you like to see less of? Email me ASAP at cedvalson@papercraftsmag.com with all your burning questions, and I'll work them in to a post sometime next week to celebrate the Moxie Fab World's blogiversary!

Tuesday Trigger: Bringing Light to the Season

This week's Tuesday Trigger comes to us from Kimberly Crawford. I love the seasonality of this trigger, as Hallween 2009 fades into memory and Thanksgiving in the United States approaches:

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Luminarias from Martha Stewart Living via Carolina Panache

Thankful Card by Kimberly Crawford

Moxie Fab Alert: I love the way she's incorporated the subtle color scheme, echoed the frilly pumpkins in her design, and used the trendy newsprint in the background. Moxie fab, Kimberly, moxie fab!

What's your take on this inspiring Tuesday Trigger? I can't wait to see! Link yours up below!

Before I scoot into Wednesday, here are some excellent responses to last week's Tuesday Trigger. Check out these Trigger Targets:

Jessica Rosario

Laura O'Donnell

NinaB

Kathy Racoosin

Thanks to everyone who played--and don't forget, I'm always looking for your personal Tuesday Trigger! If you're interested in being considered for the next week's Tuesday Trigger, please follow this procedure:

• Submit your own triggers to this email account: tuesdaytrigger@gmail.com Please do not post the trigger on your blog.
• Provide me with your image of inspiration, an image of the project that you created based on your trigger, and a brief explanation of how/why you were inspired.
• Trigger images can be anything you find to be inspiring, but must be credited properly with appropriate URLs. If a site asks you to get permission beforehand, please do so.
• Take a sharp photo of your project that is minimally propped (or not propped at all) with no distracting backgrounds. Provide no more than 1-2 detail shots (which may or may not be used.)

I will select Tuesday Triggers based on quality, seasonality, and inspirability. You may submit as many Tuesday Triggers to the email account as you'd like. The current Tuesday Trigger call will last through the end of December.

Feeling inspired,

~Cath